Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has announced the launch of The Academy, a new cornerstone initiative designed to broaden how artificial intelligence is shared, discussed and applied beyond traditional research environments. The Academy has been established as a global platform for interdisciplinary exchange, bringing together leading thinkers from technology, the arts and the humanities.
The launch took place in the presence of His Excellency Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Member of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees, alongside Professor Eric Xing, President and University Professor at MBZUAI. The announcement formed part of the university’s five-year milestone celebrations and coincided with the graduation of the sixth cohort of the MBZUAI Executive Program (MEP), as well as the introduction of its first AI x Arts Fellowship.
The inaugural fellowship cohort consists of eight internationally recognised practitioners, including large-scale data artist Refik Anadol; filmmaker James Gerde, known for AI-augmented storytelling; multidisciplinary artist Emi Kusano; and water and light artist Lachlan Turczan. They are joined by the UAE’s first NFT artist Amrita Sethi, neural network landscape artist Daniel Ambrosi, Emirati cultural innovator Ahmad AlAttar, and curator Giuseppe Moscatello. The fellows will participate in two Abu Dhabi-based residencies in 2026, collaborating with AI scientists and engaging with major cultural institutions across the emirate.
Spring Chunxiao Fu, Managing Director at the MBZUAI Academy said: “The launch of The Academy reflects the mission of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to move AI beyond the laboratory and into the heart of society. By bringing together the world’s greatest minds – from the artists in our new fellowship to the leaders in our executive programmes – we hope to shape the narratives and elevate the global conversation beyond technology to purpose and impact, while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s ambitious role in the global AI landscape.”
The launch event was hosted at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, where attendees were given an early look at works from the university’s art collections, documenting the historical development of scientific thought through artistic practice.
The Academy also encompasses the MBZUAI Executive Program, which equips senior government and business leaders to apply AI in support of national priorities. The most recent 16-week programme included 43 participants from sectors such as energy, healthcare, finance and policy, with over two-thirds holding senior executive positions. To date, more than 200 leaders have completed the programme.
The event concluded with presentations of Leading Capstone Projects, including an AI-powered personalised longevity companion designed to enhance health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs in Abu Dhabi. More regional news is available at https://abudhabi-news.com/.
